Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center

Shaftman Performance Hall at Jefferson Center is an elegant theater and concert venue housed within the historic Jefferson Center, a building originally opened in 1924. The present-day hall was created through an extensive renovation of the former school auditorium, preserving classical architectural details while introducing a modern stage and technical infrastructure. With approximately 900 seats, the auditorium offers a more intimate experience than a large arena and regularly accommodates concerts, theater productions, dance performances, lectures, and other live events.

The interior draws inspiration from traditional English opera houses, with a balcony, loges, chandeliers, and warm wood detailing creating a refined atmosphere. The hall is particularly valued for its excellent acoustics, while an acoustic shell, modern sound and lighting systems, and an expanded stage support everything from smaller musical performances to full-scale concerts and theatrical productions. Cushioned seating and a clear auditorium layout help maintain comfort and a close connection between the audience and the stage.

The venue is located at 541 Luck Ave SW, Roanoke, United States. The main entrance is on Luck Avenue, where Jefferson Center provides parking areas, including accessible spaces directly near the entrance; additional parking is available on the 5th Street side of the building. For travel from other parts of Roanoke and a broader overview of local transportation options, see the city guide further down the page.

Roanoke, located in the state of Virginia and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a city with a pleasant combination of urban energy, culture and an accessible atmosphere for event visitors. Known as the Star City of the South, Roanoke offers a good balance between concerts, sports events, family outings and a stay in a city that is easy to explore. For visitors coming for tickets to arenas, halls or stadiums, the advantage is a compact downtown area, a varied dining scene and the sense that the main attractions can be connected into a simple travel plan.

Transport connectivity is one of Roanoke’s important advantages. Local public transportation is operated by Valley Metro, while the regional Smart Way route connects Roanoke with the Blacksburg area, the Virginia Tech Transit Center, the airport and rail access. Travelers arriving by train use Roanoke Amtrak Station at 55 Norfolk Avenue SW, while the key airport for air arrivals is Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. In city transport, Third Street Station Transit Center and Campbell Court Transportation Center stand out, making it easy to continue toward halls, sports venues, hotels and the city center. Because of the relatively short distances, a combination of buses, taxis, ride-hailing apps and a private car makes getting to an event practical and easy to plan.

Before or after a concert, match or other event, Roanoke offers enough attractions for a short but worthwhile visit. In the city center, it is worth walking around the Market Square area, visiting museum and cultural venues such as the Taubman Museum of Art, or heading toward the green routes along the Roanoke River Greenway. The city’s most recognizable symbol is the Roanoke Star on Mill Mountain, which offers views of the city and the surrounding mountains. This combination of nature, downtown atmosphere and good transport connections makes Roanoke a convenient destination for visitors who want to combine an event with a brief city experience.